Observing Silence

Silent Bliss is a space to explore silence. It is an invitation to pause, to listen to your heart and to tune in to what you most need.

Why silence?, there is great liberation when we come to realise that we have the power to shift our inner emotional landscape. Through the practice of silence, we slowly become aware of our thinking, rather than being fully "attached" or "identified" with it. We begin to witness the stories we tell ourselves, which have often kept us stuck in an unhelpful loop. With this powerful new awareness comes space to invite in the qualities that will help us grow and flourish, self-acceptance, patience, compassion and curiosity.

Silent Circle

Benefits of Silence

Sometimes the world feels chaotic. We can access information with a couple of taps on our mobile devices and constantly communicate. Going silent allows people to disconnect to reconnect. It’s like a detox… for the brain, body, and mind. Taking time to be silent, whether it’s 10 minutes, one hour, 1 day, 3 days… 40 days… quiets your mind down. Some research suggests silence is good for the body and mind and suggested it could help people with post-traumatic stress and reduce blood pressure.

A 2015 study of mice indicated that silence helped the animals develop new cells in the hippocampus, the area of the brain that aids in memory and learning. And that may help spark creativity. Many people get wonderful ideas when they’re taking a shower because the mind is silent and the water is just flowing down. In silence, the wisdom of the consciousness speaks. In silence, insight dawns. Many life changing ideas can enter our space after and during the observation of silence.

Silence may also help people become more mindful and connected to themselves and others. You can feel more in touch with the universe and yourself, as a result, you become more creative, more articulate, less angry and your negative emotions tends to take a back seat. You are more aware of your emotions and what you’re thinking, feeling, and saying.

How to Observe Silence

The best way to go about observing silence is first to decide how long you’ll stop speaking. Then, decide whether or not you’re going to communicate in other ways, such as writing or with gestures. After that, it’s time to prepare yourself and others. You might put a silence badge that says you’re observing silence so you can point to it if people try to talk to you. Finally, just turn your phone off and do it!

Typical Rules for Observing Silence

To some extent, you’ll make your own rules as ultimately, it’s a personal goal. It is a simple as Not communicating at all, only communicating in writing and communicating with gestures. The first one, cutting off all communication, is the best one if it’s possible. However, it may not be if you still have to go to work or school or care for a loved one.

So, are you joining us?

If you have read this far, chances are that the call for silence is resonating with you. We will be hosting 2 sessions per month, one event in person and one online event. The online event is for those people who are unable to attend in person due to health, distance or other reasons.

In Person

If you are joining the session in person, this is what we request.

• Please arrive at least 15 minutes to prevent latecomers disturbing the sit. 

• All you devices to be switched off, you will be required to drop your device/s in a box allocated before taking a seat. No recording is allowed.

• Please maintaining silence during the silent sessions. Take a bathroom break before the beginning of the session to avoid disturbing other members.

• We ask that you respect each other's privacy and boundaries.

• Allow others to speak without interruption, we ask that you listen to understand and not just to respond.

• Bring something to sit on, like a cushion and blanket to use during the session.

• Bring a bottle on water or juice in case you need to drink something before or after the session.

• There will be a light Vegan snack at the end of the session, drugs/alcohol and smoking is not allowed.

• We end each session by generating sound, if you have a musical instrument, please bring it along.

• To facilitate online communication and connection,  you can join our WhatsApp group. Please ask the facilitator to add you to the group.

• The silent sessions are open to anyone over 18, you do not need to be a healer or meditator to join. Everyone is welcome!

• We encourage all participants to continue observing silence after the group meeting to deepen their practice, even 10 minutes daily is enough.

Rules for the Online Group

• We will be using Ms Teams, please make sure that you have downloaded the app and its working properly on your device.

• Once you have registered, the facilitator will send you the link to join the group one day before the event.

• The group facilitator will initiate the online meeting invitation on the chosen platform at the agreed upon time of the meeting. simply log into the platform. Please don’t initiate an invitation.

• Please try to enter at least 5 minutes before the starting time, because entries make a noise that will be distracting to the group.

• Make sure that there will be no interruptions during the session, you may want to adjust the lighting and light a white candle to prepare for the session.

• Switch off the phone before the session.

• Unless speaking or during a period of open dialogue, please keep microphones on mute to minimize background noise.

• Check to be sure your camera is ON. Please test the camera and audio functionality before the session.

• Please refrain from using “Chat” for side conversations in order to keep all energy focused on the group space and maintain deep listening and presence. Reserve Chat usage for any technical difficulties that require an alternate form of communication with the group.

• Please do not use the “Capture” function (which takes photos) during meetings in order to preserve confidentiality.

• Do not record the session in order to respect everyone’s privacy.

• To facilitate online communication and connection,  you can join our WhatsApp group. Please ask the facilitator to add you to the group.

• We encourage all participants to continue observing silence after the group meeting to deepen their practice, even 10 minutes daily is enough.

The most important thing? ENJOY! It is a wonderful service to yourself, your fellow group members, and your community to make this support available for cultivating the awakened heart in us all. Take it step by step; let it be organic, creative, and fun!

To register, please visit our website https://centerforreiki.wixsite.com/reiki

And click on the book online page , alternatively you can email us on centerforreikioverberg@outlook.com or complete the contact form on our website.

With Love and Gratitude

Antoinette